Independence American Insurance is seeking a rate increase for its Pet Partners program in New Jersey as part of a broader form, rate, and rule update tied to the Pet Insurance Model Act.

The filing was submitted on May 1, 2026, with a requested effective date of October 1, 2026 for both new and renewal business.

The company is requesting an overall rate increase of 25%, below an indicated need of 27.9%. The change would impact 2,302 policyholders and generate an additional $641,538 in written premium, bringing the total program size to approximately $2.57 million. The approved rate changes are expected to range between 22.6% and 25% depending on the policy.

This follows the company’s last approved rate increase of 23.9%, which took effect on August 15, 2025.

Alongside the rate changes, the filing introduces updated policy forms for accident-only and accident-and-illness coverage, with flexible plan design including deductibles from $100 to $1,000, annual limits up to unlimited, and coinsurance options ranging from 0% to 35%. Optional riders allow policyholders to expand coverage into preventive care, behavioral treatments, hereditary conditions, and end-of-life expenses.

The product continues to cover core veterinary services such as diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization, and prescription medications, while maintaining standard exclusions for pre-existing conditions and routine care unless additional coverage is purchased.